The
meta set up for Sky Atlantic's new American import Smash may seem bewildering: it's a
musical drama about putting on a Broadway musical that - if
producer Steven Spielberg has his way - will then actually be
produced on Broadway in real life. Elaborate premise aside, one
thing is clear: Katharine McPhee is a hit. A former contestant on
American idol, McPhee plays Karen Cartwright, one of two burgeoning
stars competing for the part of Marilyn Monroe in the play-within-a-show,
Bombshell. Anyone fearing the inevitable "Glee for adults" comparisons, worry not:
although undoubtedly camp at times Spielberg wants Smash to be "The West Wing for Broadway". As such it's
rife with sexual blackmail, original songs and there's a brilliant
performance from British actor Jack Davenport as the show's
scheming director. Trust us, though: it's McPhee's name you'll be
seeing up in lights.

Smash starts on Saturday at 10pm on Sky Atlantic HD.

Oliver Franklin-Wallis

Oliver Franklin is Assistant Editor of Wired and a GQ contributor. Follow him on Twitter @olifranklin.